Apparatus and method for no-till inter-row simultaneous application of herbicide and fertilizer, soil preparation, and seeding of a cover crop in a standing crop

ABSTRACT

A no-till apparatus for application of herbicide and fertilizer, soil preparation, and seeding of a cover crop in a standing crop has inter-row assemblies configured to pass along inter-row areas between adjacent row lines of standing crop plants. Each assembly includes a fertilizer applicator, a no-till soil preparation element, a cover crop seed applicator, and a post-seeding element. The apparatus may include movable auxiliary seeding units such that the apparatus may operate as a grain drill.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. patent application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/212,473, filed Mar. 14, 2014, which claimspriority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/782,387,filed Mar. 14, 2013, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.61/845,603, filed Jul. 12, 2013. U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/212,473 is also a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/443,339, filed Apr. 10, 2012, which claimspriority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/474,501,filed Apr. 12, 2011. Each application is incorporated herein in itsentirety.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT SPONSORSHIP

This invention was made with government support under PEN04166 awardedby the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The government has certain rightsin the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for seeding acover crop in a no-till field while simultaneously applying a fertilizerand herbicide to the crop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern corn production tactics are being adopted that help to mitigatethe impact of corn production on soil and water resources. Several ofthese tactics include no-tillage production, the use of delayed“sidedness” nitrogen fertilizer applications, delayed or postemergentherbicide applications and the establishment of cover crops during orfollowing the corn crop. In no-tillage production, the field is notplowed or cultivated between crops. No-tillage production reduces thepotential for soil erosion, conserves soil moisture, and reduces theenergy associated with corn production. Sidedress nitrogen fertilizerapplications reduce the potential for nitrogen fertilizer loss byapplying the fertilizer immediately prior to the greatest demand by thecrop. Postemergent herbicide applications allow corn producers to useless persistent herbicides prior to planting the crop and their use hasbeen greatly increased by the development of both glyphosate andglufosinate herbicide resistant corn hybrids during the last decade. Theestablishment of cover crops following harvest has been promoted and isnow required in some situations to minimize runoff and plant nutrientlosses from either residual amounts of fertilizer not used by the corncrop or from animal manure applications made to the field followingharvest.

The establishment of cover crops is often limited by the late fallharvest of the corn crop in some areas, which leaves little growingseason for a cover crop, such as clover or ryegrass, to becomeestablished. Alternative seeding methods such as broadcasting the seedin the standing crop prior to harvest with a helicopter or ground basedapplicator have been inconsistent, especially in no-till fields that arecovered with the residue from the previous crop. Researchers fromCornell (Scott et al., 1987) have reported successfully seeding covercrops during the late spring in fields that were tilled with minimalresidue on the soil surface with no impact on crop yields. In thissystem, cover crop seeds were broadcast on the soil surface andincorporated using a row crop cultivator. A second study showed thatthis system could be used in soybean production as well (Hively and Cox,2001).

Other researchers have proposed to plant a standing crop in an existingcover crop without the need to perform a cover crop seeding operation inthe late spring. This tactic, often called a living mulch, can beeffective but requires the suppression of the cover crop with aherbicide at the time of planting of the standing crop to avoid unduecompetition with the main, or standing, crop, such as corn. Canadianresearchers have reported the effective use of seeding devices that canestablish cover crops in a standing crop of corn in a tilled seedbed(seehttp://www.farmwest.com/index.cfm?method=library.showPage&librarypageid=66),however the device described only performs a seeding operation and isnot adequate for use in no-till systems. Their experience demonstratedthe potential utility of this in-season cover crop or “relay crop” as apart of corn production. Another unit for performing row cropcultivation and seeding has been developed for minimum tillageconditions, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,559, but it lacks some ofthe elements and benefits of the present invention. A further device isshown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,068. Again, it lacks some elements andbenefits of the present invention.

There remains a need for apparatus and methods for planting a cover cropbetween the rows of a standing crop in a no-till field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for seeding acover crop in a no-till field while simultaneously applying a fertilizerand herbicide to the crop. This method allows corn growers to combineseveral trips across the field and establish a cover crop in the growingcorn crop which will provide multiple benefits following the harvest ofthe corn crop and reduce the impact of corn production on the soil andsurface and groundwater resources. Some embodiments of the apparatus arealso operable as a grain drill.

A first embodiment of a no-till apparatus for simultaneous applicationof herbicide and fertilizer, soil preparation, and the seeding of acover crop in a standing crop is disclosed herein. The plants of thestanding crop define a plurality of generally parallel row lines and astanding crop row area is defined around each row line so as to containthe row line plants and extend between generally parallel edges to eachside of the row line. An inter-row area is defined between each pair ofadjacent standing crop row areas and extends between the closest edgesof the adjacent standing crop row areas. The apparatus includes aplurality of inter-row assemblies each configured to pass along one ofthe inter-row areas between adjacent row lines of standing crop plants.Each assembly includes a fertilizer applicator operable to applyfertilizer to one of the standing crop row areas adjacent the inter-rowarea without substantial application of fertilizer to the inter-rowarea. Each assembly also includes a no-till soil preparation elementoperable to prepare soil in the inter-row area for cover crop seedingwithout forming a furrow. The soil has an upper surface with no-tillcrop residue disposed thereon, and the no-till soil preparation elementis operable to generally cut through the crop residue so as to at leastbreak up an upper surface of soil under the residue for cover cropseeding. Each assembly further includes a cover crop seed applicatoroperable to apply cover crop seed across the inter-row area after thesoil preparation element. Each assembly also includes a post-seedingelement operable to at least partially firm the soil and provide seed tosoil contact in the inter-row area after the seed applicator appliesseed. Each assembly further includes an herbicide applicator operable toapply herbicide to the inter-row area and at least part of the adjacentstanding crop row area. The apparatus further includes at least oneauxiliary seeding unit, disposed in a space between two inter-rowassemblies. The auxiliary seeding units include a no-till soilpreparation element, a seed applicator, and a post-seeding element, andthe auxiliary seeding units are moveable between a lowered use positionand a raised storage position. When the auxiliary seeding unit is in theraised storage position, the apparatus is operable as an inter-rowapparatus that prepares the soil, applies seed and firms the soil in theinter-row areas, applies fertilizer to the standing crop row areas andapplies herbicide to the inter-row and standing crop row areas. When theauxiliary seeding unit is in the lowered use position, the apparatus isoperable as a grain drill.

Another embodiment of a no-till apparatus for simultaneous applicationof herbicide and fertilizer, soil preparation, and the seeding of acover crop in a standing crop is disclosed herein. The plants of thestanding crop define a plurality of generally parallel row lines and astanding crop row area is defined around each row line so as to containthe row line plants and extend between generally parallel edges to eachside of the row line. An inter-row area is defined between each pair ofadjacent standing crop row areas and extends between the closest edgesof the adjacent standing crop row areas. The apparatus includes aplurality of inter-row assemblies each configured to pass along one ofthe inter-row areas between adjacent row lines of standing crop plants.Each assembly includes a fertilizer applicator operable to applyfertilizer to one of the standing crop row areas adjacent the inter-rowarea without substantial application of fertilizer to the inter-rowarea. Each assembly also includes a no-till soil preparation elementoperable to prepare soil in the inter-row area for cover crop seedingwithout forming a furrow. The soil has an upper surface with no-tillcrop residue disposed thereon, and the no-till soil preparation elementis operable to generally cut through the crop residue so as to at leastbreak up an upper surface of soil under the residue for cover cropseeding. Each assembly further includes a cover crop seed applicatoroperable to apply cover crop seed across the inter-row area after thesoil preparation element. Each assembly also includes a post-seedingelement operable to at least partially firm the soil and provide seed tosoil contact in the inter-row area after the seed applicator appliesseed. Each assembly further includes an herbicide applicator operable toapply herbicide to the inter-row area and at least part of the adjacentstanding crop row area. The apparatus prepares the soil, applies seedand firms the soil in the inter-row areas, applies fertilizer to thestanding crop row areas, and applies herbicide to the inter-row andstanding crop row areas.

Embodiments may further include a support frame for supporting aplurality of inter-row assemblies and/or a hitch assembly for attachingthe apparatus to a tractor. In some versions, the fertilizer applicatoris a sprayer operable to apply a liquid fertilizer to one of the rowareas without substantial application to the inter-row area or to thestanding crop plants. This fertilizer sprayer may apply a narrow spraycentered approximately four inches from the row line.

In some versions, the no-till soil preparation element comprises aplurality of coulters. There may be three coulters, including a leading,a mid, and a trailing coulter. Each coulter may be approximately twoinches wide with the coulters being spaced apart side-to-side byapproximately four inches.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention do not include any powerdriven soil preparation elements, such as a power driven tillingassembly that cuts into and turns over part of the soil.

In some versions, the seed applicator comprises a plurality of seedtubes positioned side-by-side. In certain versions, the post-seedingelement comprises the packing wheel and in some alternatives thepost-seeding element further comprises a spring loading mechanismoperable to urge the packing wheel towards the soil.

In some versions, the herbicide applicator is a sprayer operable tospray herbicide in a wide pattern. This pattern may be wide enough tocover the entirety of the inter-row area and at least a portion of oneor more of the adjacent standing crop row areas.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides a no-tillapparatus for simultaneous application of fertilizer, soil preparation,and seeding of a cover crop and a standing crop. The plants of thestanding crop define a plurality of generally parallel row lines. Thestanding crop row area is defined around each row line so as to containthe row line of plants and extends between generally parallel edges toeach side of the row line. An inter-row area is defined between eachpair of adjacent standing crop row areas and extends between the closestedges of the adjacent standing crop row areas. The apparatus includes aplurality of inter-row assemblies each configured to pass along one ofthe inter-row areas between adjacent row lines of standing crop plants.Each assembly includes a fertilizer applicator operable to applyfertilizer to one of the standing crop row areas adjacent the inter-rowarea without substantial application of fertilizer to the inter-rowarea. Each assembly also includes a no-till soil preparation elementoperable to prepare soil in the inter-row area for cover crop seedingwithout forming a furrow. The soil has an upper surface with no-tillcrop residue disposed thereon, and the no-till soil preparation elementis operable to generally cut through the crop residue so as to at leastbreak up an upper surface of soil under the residue for cover cropseeding. The no-till soil preparation element has a plurality ofcoulters and a plurality of double-disk openers.

Each assembly further includes a cover crop seed applicator operable toapply cover crop seed across the inter-row area after the soilpreparation element. The seed applicator includes a seed tube alignedbehind each double-disk opener. Each assembly also includes apost-seeding element operable to at least partially firm the soil andprovides seed to soil contact in the inter-row area after the seedapplicator applies seed. Each assembly prepares the soil, applies seed,and firms the soil in one of the inter-row areas and applies fertilizerto one of the standing crop row areas in a single pass.

The present invention also provides a no-till method of planting a covercrop between the rows of a standing crop and simultaneously applyingfertilizer and herbicide. The plants of the standing crop define aplurality of generally parallel row lines. A standing crop row area isdefined around each row line so as to contain the row line of plants andextends between generally parallel edges to each side of the row line.An inter-row area is defined between each pair of adjacent standing croprow areas and extends between the closest edges of the adjacent standingcrop row areas. The method includes the step of providing a no-tillapparatus for simultaneous application of herbicide and fertilizer, soilpreparation and seeding of a cover crop and a standing crop. Theapparatus includes a plurality of inter-row assemblies each configuredto pass along one of the inter-row areas between adjacent row lines ofstanding crop plants. Each assembly includes a fertilizer applicator, ano-till soil preparation element, a cover crop seed applicator, apost-seeding element, and an herbicide applicator. The method furtherincludes the step of using the fertilizer applicator to apply fertilizerto one of the standing crop row areas adjacent the inter-row areawithout substantial application of fertilizer to the inter-row area. Themethod also includes using the no-till soil preparation element toprepare soil in the inter-row area without forming a furrow. The soilhas an upper surface with no-till crop residue disposed thereon, and theno-till soil preparation element generally cuts through the crop residueso as to at least break up an upper surface of soil under the residuefor cover crop seeding. The method also includes using the cover cropseed applicator to apply cover crop seed across the inter-row area afterusing the soil preparation element. The method further includes the stepof using the post-seeding element to at least partially firm the soiland provide seed to soil contact in the inter-row area after applyingthe cover crop seed. The method also includes the step of using theherbicide applicator to apply herbicide to the inter-row area and atleast part of the adjacent standing crop row areas. The preparing,seeding, fertilizing and herbicide application steps are performed in asingle pass.

In some versions, the steps described above are performed in order. Infurther versions, the steps begin with using the fertilizer applicatorare not performed until at least four weeks after the standing cropplants are planted, with the standing crop plants being corn plants. Infurther versions, the steps beginning with using the fertilizerapplicator are not performed until the standing crop plants, which arecorn plants, are in the four to nine leaf stage. In yet furtherversions, the steps beginning with using the fertilizer applicator arenot performed until the standing crop plants, which are corn plants, arein the range of 12-30 inches tall.

In certain embodiments, the fertilizer applicator is a sprayer operableto apply a liquid fertilizer to one of the row areas without substantialapplication to the inter-row area or to the standing crop plants, thesprayer applying a narrow spray centered approximately four inches fromthe row line. In some versions, the no-till soil preparation elementcomprises a plurality of coulters, including a leading, a mid, and atrailing coulter spaced apart side-to-side. In preferred versions of themethod, the apparatus does not include any power driven soil preparationelements and the method comprises not performing any power driven soilpreparation. Further alternatives and embodiments will be discussedhereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view showing certain elements of anapparatus in accordance with the present invention and illustratingstanding crop row lines and an inter-row area;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the elements of FIG. 3 along with two standingcrop row lines;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the elements of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of elements of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a further alternative embodiment ofan apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective view showing certain elements of anapparatus in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of thepresent invention and illustrating standing crop row lines and aninter-row area;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of a further embodiment of the present inventionincluding additional soil preparation and planting assemblies disposedbetween the inter-row assemblies, with these additional assemblies in araised position;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 showing theassemblies in the raised position;

FIG. 11 is a rear view similar to FIG. 9, but with the additionalassemblies in a lowered position so as to provide an apparatus forplanting a plurality of rows for soil preparation and planting; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 with theadditional assemblies in the lowered position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for no-tillsimultaneous application of herbicide and fertilizer, soil preparation,and seeding of a cover crop in a standing crop. For purposes ofdefinition, a “standing crop” is the primary crop, such as corn, that isplanted in rows and harvested such as for grain or silage. The “covercrop” is a crop that is traditionally planted after harvesting of thestanding crop for purposes of preventing soil erosion and/or improvementof the soil.

Embodiments of the present invention enable planting of a cover cropbetween rows of a standing crop, prior to harvest of the standing crop,while also allowing other benefits. As known to those of skill in theart, standing crops such as corn are planted with individual plantsdefining a line, referred to herein as a “row line”. These row lines areoften, but not necessarily, straight lines, and are preferably generallyparallel to one another. For example, corn is often planted in parallelrow lines approximately 30 inches apart.

For purposes of discussion of the present invention, it is helpful todefine particular areas or zones within a field. As used herein, a “rowarea” or “standing crop row area” is the area surrounding the row line.It extends between generally parallel edges to each side of the rowline. For example, the row area may extend 7 inches to each side of therow line, such that the row area is 14 inches wide. The remaining areabetween adjacent row areas may be referred to as an “inter-row area”.This is where the soil is prepared and the cover crop is planted inaccordance with the present invention. In the example where the rowlines are 30 inches apart and the row areas are 14 inches wide, theinter-row areas are approximately 16 inches wide. As will be clear tothose of skill in the art, the transition between a row area and aninter-row area is not a sharply defined line but is used herein fordiscussion of where or how particular parts of the inventive method arepreferably practiced. For example, in some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, fertilizer is applied to the row area while notapplying any substantial amount of fertilizer to the inter-row area.This allows the fertilizer to be utilized primarily by the standingcrop. As used herein, “simultaneous” means that the various operations,such as soil preparation, planting, and application of fertilizer and/orherbicide are accomplished within a given inter-row area during a singlepass of the inventive apparatus.

In some embodiments, the invention utilizes strip or zone tillagetechnology between 30 inch corn rows to prepare a 16 inch wide seedbedbetween each row, broadcasts the cover crop seed across this area, andthen incorporates the seed and packs the soil with a packing wheelassembly. At the same time, a postemergent herbicide is applied to thefield, including the row area and at least part of the inter-row area,for weed control, and a liquid nitrogen fertilizer application isstrategically directed approximately 4 inches off the side of the cornrow, within the standing crop row area, to maximize effectiveness beyondthat associated just with the delayed timing. This method and timing ofcombining the three operations (spraying, fertilizing and seeding acover crop) and performing them in a no-till field provides numerousbenefits. For example, it may reduce the cost and energy associated withmultiple trips while facilitating these environmentally sound practices.The method also facilitates the establishment of cover crops in regionswhere the growing season is too short or the corn harvest is too late inthe fall to allow for successful establishment of cover crops followingharvest.

Embodiments of the present invention help address several currentissues. The establishment of cover crops is becoming increasinglyimportant to reduce soil and nutrient runoff into watersheds such as theChesapeake Bay. The cover crop takes up excess nutrients and reducesrunoff that could flow into the water resource. Cover crops are alsobeing considered as a management practice that would mitigate theimpacts of the removal of the corn stalks for biofuel purposes as theorganic carbon produced by the cover crop could offset some of thecarbon removed in stover harvest. Effective establishment of cover cropscould also help reduce the establishment of weed species in corn fieldsduring the winter and early spring and perhaps slow the development ofherbicide resistant weeds in some cropping systems. In much of the U.S.corn belt, corn harvested for grain is harvested too late for covercrops to provide significant carbon, but if the cover crop was seededduring the growing season, then the carbon accumulation in the covercrop could be increased, resulting in a higher amount of corn stalksthat could be removed before causing any negative impact on the soilorganic matter and carbon levels.

Referring now to the Figures, an embodiment of the present inventionwill be described in more detail. FIG. 1 provides a front perspectiveview of a no-till apparatus 10 for simultaneous application of herbicideand fertilizer, soil preparation, and seeding of a cover crop in astanding crop. Some elements, such as the seed application tubes, areexcluded from this view to simplify the drawing. FIG. 2 provides a rearperspective view of the apparatus 10. The illustrated embodiment isdesigned to treat five inter-row areas and includes five sets ofelements, each referred to as an inter-row assembly. The three centralinter-row assemblies 12 are complete assemblies designed to provide allfunctions in a single pass. The two outboard inter-row assemblies 14 arepartial assemblies and provide part of the functions in the first pass.Preferably, an operator maneuvers the apparatus such that one of theoutboard assemblies 14 pass down the same inter-row area as one of theoutboard assemblies previously operated on. In other words, two passesby an outboard assembly 14 provides complete processing of a giveninter-row area. In alternative embodiments, only complete assemblies maybe provided, or only a single outboard partial assembly may be provided.

FIG. 3 provides a front perspective view of the components of one of theassemblies 12, along with one row line 16 of plants 18 of a standingcrop. All of the supporting hardware for the illustrated components hasbeen removed from this Figure for ease of reference. FIG. 3 also showsan inter-row area 20 as cross-hatched. FIG. 4 provides a top view of thesame components as in FIG. 3, along with two row lines 16 of plants 18of a standing crop each centered in a row area 22. FIG. 5 provides aside view of the same elements. The direction of travel of thecomponents is indicated by arrow A.

An apparatus according to the present invention may take a variety offorms. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment which is a three-pointhitch implement built on a steel frame consisting of two 6×3 structuralsteel tubing horizontal beams. It is designed to be attached behind atractor. The front main beam is used for attachment of the three pointhitch system, two 2 inch×2 inch machine stands and mounting brackets forthe water (herbicide) and nitrogen delivery systems. As will be clear tothose of skill in the art, other embodiments may be structureddifferently and/or designed for a different hitch. As one example, awheel carriage or semi mount hitch or semi mount lift kit may beprovided. Embodiments may be provided for use with any type of tractor,or an embodiment that is self-propelled may be provided.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, components included in a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention will be described in more detail. Each completeinter-row assembly 12 includes a fertilizer applicator 30 to applyfertilizer to one of the standing crop row areas 22 adjacent theinter-row area 20. In some embodiments, liquid nitrogen fertilizer isdelivered to the soil surface using a drop tube assembly equipped with asolid stream spray nozzle. The fertilizer applicator is preferablydesigned to apply fertilizer to the row area 22 without substantialapplication of fertilizer to the adjacent inter-row area 20. Theapplication of fertilizer is also preferably spaced from the row line 16so as to avoid damage to the standing crop. In some embodiments, thespray nozzle is directed to apply fertilizer 11 inches from the centerof the inter-row area. This positions the spray nozzle 4 inches from therow line and within the row area. As shown, the spray nozzle ispreferably close to the ground, such as a distance in the range of 4 to6 inches, so as to improve soil penetration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fertilizer applicator is the firstcomponent in the direction of travel A, and therefore fertilizer isapplied just ahead of the other components and beside the inter-rowarea, and outside where the cover crop will be planted. This applicationof a directed and pressurized liquid nitrogen fertilizer can improve theefficiency of the use of the fertilizer through placement and partialincorporation of the material below the soil surface. The fertilizer isalso directed away from the inter-row area, which will be seeded withthe cover crop, so that it does not stimulate the initial growth of thecover crop, which could provide excessive competition to the standingcrop and reduce yields. While the fertilizer applicator is illustratedas being first in the direction of travel A, those of skill in the artwill appreciate that the fertilizer applicator may be positioned moreforwardly or rearwardly if desired. However, the forward positioning ispreferred for some embodiments. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, thefertilizer sprayers may be attached to the front main beam 11 of theapparatus. As appreciated by those of skill in the art, the fertilizerused may be nitrogen, other liquid fertilizers such as includingpotassium or phosphate/phosphorus, as well as other fertilizers. Theinvention may alternatively provide for the use of non-liquidfertilizers using different fertilizer applicators. However, liquidapplication of fertilizer is preferred for certain embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiment, the next component, rearward of thefertilizer applicator 30, is the no-till soil preparation element. Inthe illustrated embodiment, this element takes the form of three coulterdisks 32. The inboard complete inter-row assemblies may each includethree 15-inch diameter 8 wave coulters that are 2″ wide, with the middlecoulter set to run 12 inches ahead of the second coulter, which is 8inches ahead of the third coulter. FIGS. 3-5 show the coulters spacedapart fore-to-aft by less distance than this. The coulters may be spacedapart side to side by approximately 4 inches, for a total preparedseedbed of approximately 16 inches. This prepared seedbed generallydefines the inter-row area 20. This configuration of the three two2-inch wavy coulters spaced at four inches apart is preferred for someembodiments, as experiments demonstrated that this configurationprovided an effective soil disturbance for creating a seedbed in thedry, hard soils sometimes encountered in this situation. Otherconfigurations, such as 1-inch wavy coulters or Turbo-till coulters, didnot provide adequate soil disturbance required for good soil to seedcontact, but may be used in some embodiments. Further embodiments maymake use of less aggressive coulters, such as a fluted or notchedcoulter. In such an embodiment, it would be preferred to dispense seedin the area being these coulters. Further embodiments may use othertypes of soil preparation elements. FIG. 6 illustrates elements of anembodiment of the present invention that makes use of cultivators 33 inplace of the coulters. They may be useful in some embodiments of thepresent invention, and may be used in organic farming without anherbicide applicator.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the outboardinter-row assemblies each have two coulters, with the inside coulter insome embodiments set to run 20 inches ahead of the outside coulters.When a second pass of the apparatus is made, the outside assembly willrun back in the same row and provide a similar seedbed as the inboardassemblies that are prepared with a single pass of the three-coulterconfiguration.

It should be noted that the soil preparation element, represented by thecoulters, is referred to as a no-till soil preparation element becauseit is designed for use in a no-till field. Specifically, the coulterscut through crop residue that is typically present in the inter-rowareas in a no-till field, and at break up the surface of the soil underthe residue to prepare it for seeding. This also at least partiallyexposes the soil to receive the cover crop seeds. In some embodiments,the soil preparation element provides a seedbed that allows planting ofseed at approximately ¼ inch depth in the soil. This is ideal for covercrop seeds such as ryegrass and clover. Other possible cover cropsinclude red clover, white clover, crimson clover, annual medics, annualryegrass, Italian ryegrass, canola, fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass,orchard grass, and other grasses, and may also include other crops thatthose of skill in the art will recognize as being useful for thisapplication. Different depths may be chosen depending on the cover cropused. It is also noted that the soil preparation element does not createfurrows and planting of the cover crop does not take place in furrows asis traditional with many crops. A further distinction between the soilpreparation element that forms part of the present invention and otherdevices is that the soil preparation element is not power driven, suchas by a power takeoff (PTO) of farm machinery. Preferred embodiments ofthe present invention include no power-driven soil working elements.

Embodiments of the present invention using coulters and other soilpreparation elements with similar effect also qualify as a no-tillapparatus. Such an apparatus is one that meets the generally accepteddefinition of no-till wherein no full width tillage is performed. Assuch, a no-till apparatus may perform some tillage, such as only in theinter-row areas. The overall apparatus using the elements of FIG. 1would meet this definition. As used herein, a no-till apparatus alsolacks any power driven soil preparation element. As used herein, thesoil preparation elements themselves are defined as no-till soilpreparation elements if they are operable to cut through crop residuetypically present in a no-till field. The apparatus is heavy enough, oris sufficiently weighted, to allow the no-till soil preparation elementsto cut through the residue. The various types of coulters as describedherein meet this definition. It should be noted that the cultivatorsshown in FIG. 6 typically would not be used in a no-till field, but maybe used in an organic farming operation where no-till is not practiced.

The rear main beam 34 of the apparatus 10 may be used for mounting thecoulters. The coulters in some embodiments may be Unverferth Zone TillCoulter assemblies as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,068, withmounting units and coulters.

After the soil preparation element prepares the seedbed in the inter-rowarea 20, seed may be planted. A cover crop seed applicator 36 isprovided to apply cover crop seed across the inter-row area 20. As usedherein, “across the inter-row area” means that seed is not planted in asingle part or row within the inter-row area, but that seed is plantedsuch that most of the inter-row area will grow a cover crop. In theillustrated embodiment, the cover crop seed applicator 36 consists of aplurality of seed tubes positioned generally side by side so as to applyseed to most or all of the inter-row area. In some embodiments, the seeddelivery system consists of 4 plastic tubes for the inboard assembliesand 2 plastic tubes for the outboard assemblies. The tubes arepositioned to deliver the seed immediately after the coulters and justprior to a post-seeding element or packing wheel, as discussed below. Asshown, the seed tubes may have lower ends that are spaced from theground by a significant distance, such as in the range of 8 to 18 inchesso as to enhance the dispersion of the seed across the inter-row area.It is preferred that the seed tube ends be positioned such that they arebelow the leaves of the standing crop, referred to as the canopy, toavoid interference between the leaves and the seeds.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seed tubes are heldin place using a bracket attached to a steel horizontal pipe to providestability. A seed box 38 may be driven by a hydraulic motor and chaindrive. The hydraulic motor may be driven using the hydraulic system ofthe tractor. The seed delivery rate can be adjusted using a calibrationsystem on the box, and consists of a slide that opens the seed openingson the bottom of the box. The seed box for the illustrated embodimentmay be a modified 10 foot Gandy Seed Box.

It should be noted that the seed applicator seeds the cover crop overmost or all of the inter-row area and does not plant in furrows or rowlines. Some seeds may be dispersed outside of the inter-row area, butthe focus is on planting most or all of the inter-row area so as toestablish the cover crop. As will be clear to those of skill in the art,other seed applicators may be used, such as an air-delivery seed system.

After the seed applicator 36, a post seeding element is provided to atleast partially pack or firm the soil in the inter-row area after theseed applicator applies seed. This may cover and embed some of the covercrop seed to increase the seed-to-soil contact. In the illustratedembodiment, the post seeding element is a spring loaded packing wheel40. The packing wheel 40 has parallel ridges, as shown. The packingwheel may also be referred to as a cultipacker. The spring for springloading one of the packing wheels is shown at 42 in FIG. 2. Alternativeembodiments may use a non-spring-loaded packing wheel. In anotheralternative embodiment, the post seeding element consists of rollingdrums with 1.5 inch angle iron welded to form a rolling cultipackerassembly 50, as shown in FIG. 7. Either assembly may be attached to theremainder of the apparatus 10 with a hinged 22 inch 2×2 inch structuralsteel tubing. In some embodiments, the cultipackers are 16 inches widefor the inboard assemblies and 8.5 inches wide for the outboardassemblies. The post seeding element may alternatively or additionallyinclude drag chains 52, such as shown in FIG. 7. In an exemplaryembodiment, the drag chains consist of 24 inches of 5/16 inch steelchain attached to the rear of each of the cultipacker assemblies toprovide seed coverage.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative version of the present invention whereadditional seed preparation elements are included. As with the earlierembodiments, the fertilizer applicator 30 is followed by three coulterdisks 32. However, unlike the earlier embodiments, three sets ofdouble-disk openers 33 follow the coulter disks. Each double-disk openerconsists of two disks that are angled inwardly toward one another attheir front edges. These double-disk openers create a small seed slot. Aseed tube 37 follows each double-disk opener and is aligned halfwaybetween them so as to drop seeds into the slot created by thedouble-disk opener. As with the earlier embodiment, this is considered ano-till soil preparation or seed preparation element. It does not createa furrow or perform traditional tillage. In some embodiments, theno-till soil preparation element for the inter-row area may include bothcoulters and double-disk openers. In others, the double-disk openers maybe used without coulters, though the use of coulters is preferred asthey cut through the crop residue in the inter-row area. In theillustrated embodiment, three coulters are provided and a double-diskopener is aligned behind each coulter. More or fewer coulters and/ordouble-disk openers may be used, and they may be aligned differently. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the post-seeding element takes the form ofthree closing wheels 41, each aligned behind one of the double-diskopeners. In earlier embodiments, seeds may be randomly spread across theinter-row area. With the double-disk openers, seeds are placed in rows,but are still considered to be across the inter-row area, as the rowsare positioned side-by-side across the inter-row area.

After the post-seeding element, of whichever type, preferred embodimentsof the present invention include an herbicide applicator 46 for applyingherbicide to the inter-row area and at least part of the standing croprow areas. As shown in FIG. 2, the applicators 46 may be part of a sprayboom 48. The herbicide applicator 46 may be a spray nozzle with a widespray pattern, and the nozzle may be positioned at a significantdistance above the ground, such as in the range of 15 to 24 inches. Itis preferred that the spray nozzle be positioned such that it is belowthe leaves of the standing crop.

As known to those of skill in the art, a well developed standing cropwill have leaves that generally define a canopy. For corn, this canopyis part way up the stalk. Below this canopy, only limited leaf growthoccurs for the standing crop. This canopy is represented by two leavesfor each plant 18 in FIGS. 3-5. This canopy may be said to be at acanopy height H, as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the sprayertip for the fertilizer applicator 30, the lower ends of the seed tubes36, and the sprayer tip for the herbicide applicator 46 are all belowthe canopy height H. In some embodiments of a method in accordance withthe present invention, cover crop application is done after the canopyheight is at least 12 inches high, for corn.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a guidance system.For example, it may include a Sukup Auto Guide row guidance system, aGPS guidance system, or an RTK guidance system. An Auto Guide system mayautomatically guide the placement of the apparatus precisely between therows to minimize damage to existing plants in the row.

The herbicide system may be supplied by one of two 110-gallon poly tanksmounted on top of the two beams. The second poly tank may be the supplyfor the liquid nitrogen fertilizer (urea ammonium nitrate solution)application system, and may be powered by a PTO driven pump. Forexample, the pump may be rated at 7 GPM and 150 PSI. The liquidherbicide and fertilizer storage tanks also provide a secondary benefit:they add significant weight to the apparatus, which helps the coulterspenetrate soils under conditions where the soil penetration resistanceis high. Steel suitcase weights can also be added to the apparatus ifnecessary. The illustrated embodiment of the apparatus requires atractor of approximately 100 horsepower equipped with front suitcaseweights and can be operated at up to 6 mph in the field.

The illustrated embodiment of the present invention is a “4 row” unit,meaning that it processes inter-row areas around 4 rows of standing cropplants. Other size units may be provided by adding additional inter-rowassemblies. Examples include 6, 8, 12 and 16 row units.

The present invention also provides a method for no-till inter-row covercrop seeding, along with application of fertilizer and/or herbicide.According to some embodiments of the method, the apparatus is designedto be operated in planted corn fields approximately 4 to 7 weeks afterplanting when the corn is in the 4 to 9 leaf stage and is about 12 to 30inches tall. This is the ideal time frame to apply supplemental nitrogenfertilizer since it coincides with the stage of growth when nutrientuptake by the plants is increasing rapidly. This reduces the exposure ofthe fertilizer to environmental conditions that could cause it to belost in runoff or leaching events. It is also the optimum time forpostemergent herbicide applications to control any weeds that may haveescaped from the initial herbicide applications to the crop. Use of thepresent invention may allow the farmer to skip the use of preemergentherbicide at the time of planting of the standing crop. This is also aan optimum time to seed an in-season cover crop since the crop canopy isdeveloping rapidly and would shade emerging cover crop seedlings,limiting their ability to compete with the crop. As one example, inPennsylvania, the ideal timing of this operation would occur in early tomid June for fields planted with a standing crop in late April or earlyMay.

In accordance with an embodiment of a method of the present invention,the standing crop, which may be corn, is planted using traditionalmethods. This may occur in late April or early May in many areas. Then,after 4 to 7 weeks, an apparatus as described herein is used tofertilize the standing crop, prepare the soil in the inter-row area,plant cover crop seeds, embed the seed, and herbicide is applied.Instead of using 4 to 7 weeks as the trigger to use the presentapparatus, the trigger may be when the corn is in the 4 to 9 leaf stageand/or when the corn is 12 to 30 inches tall. At a later time, thestanding crop is harvested without harvesting the cover crop. In manyareas, they may occur in October or November. At a later date, thestover may be harvested and/or the cover crop may be used for forage.The following season, a new standing crop, such as corn, may be plantedbetween the cover crop areas.

The apparatus could be used earlier in the season, especially when thereis a need for an earlier herbicide or fertilizer application, but therecould be an increased risk of competition from the cover crop with thestanding crop. Later in the season, there would be more chance ofmechanical damage to the corn with the apparatus and this would be pastthe ideal window for most herbicide and fertilizer applications. Thereis also the potential of using the apparatus in other crops planted inwider rows, such as soybeans. As will be clear to those of skill in theart, other crops may also be used as the standing crop, and this maynecessitate adjustments or modifications to the disclosed embodiments toaccommodate these other crops. Embodiments of the present inventioncould be used with so called twin row corn planting, where two rows ofcorn are positioned side by side with a gap, such as 22 inches, to thenext twin row. In this case, the crop row comprises the twin rows andthe row area includes the twin rows and the area to each side of them.Modified embodiments may also be used with corn planted in narrowerrows, such as 20 inch single rows. Yet further embodiments may beconfigured for other crops, such as planting cover crops in wheatstubble, clover in hay, or other crops.

Preferably, the standing crop is harvested while leaving the cover cropin place. By the time of harvesting, the cover crop should besufficiently established that farm machinery driving over it will notdestroy it.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, a further embodiment of the presentinvention will be discussed. Earlier embodiments of the presentinvention are designed to prepare the soil in an inter-row area betweenadjacent rows of standing crop plants. As such, inter-row assemblies areprovided in a spaced-apart formation so that the standing crop passesthrough the spaces between two inter-row assemblies. In the embodimentof FIGS. 9-12, additional assemblies are provided between the inter-rowassemblies. These additional assemblies are operable to prepare the soiland plant seeds in what otherwise would be an inter-row area. Theadditional assemblies may be raised to a storage position and the entireunit used as an inter-row device in accordance with earlier embodiments.The additional assemblies may also be lowered down so as to provide soilpreparation and planting in the spaces between inter-row assemblies.With the assemblies in the lowered position, the apparatus acts like agrain drill, thereby providing additional utility to a user.

Referring to FIG. 9, an apparatus in accordance with this embodiment ofthe present invention is shown generally at 100. It includes a pluralityof inter-row assemblies, such as indicated at 102, 104, and 106. Theseinter-row assemblies 102-106 may be constructed in accordance with anyof the previously discussed embodiments of the present invention and maybe operable to apply herbicide and fertilizer, prepare the soil, plantseeds, and perform a post-seeding operation. Alternatively, some ofthese steps or functions may be omitted from some versions of theapparatus. The apparatus 100 includes additional assemblies, referred toherein as auxiliary seeding units, indicated at 108, 110, 112, and 114.As shown, these auxiliary seeding units 108-114 are disposed in theareas that would otherwise be defined as an inter-row area. For example,inter-row areas are indicated at 116, 118, 120, and 122. In FIG. 9, theauxiliary seeding units 108-114 are in a raised position such that theapparatus 100 may be used in accordance with the earlier descriptions.In this view, an auxiliary frame 123 supports the auxiliary seedingunits.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of a portion of the apparatus 100 with one ofthe auxiliary seeding units 108 shown in the raised position. A portionof an inter-row assembly is also shown, indicated at 124. This may bereferred to as a fixed seeding unit, which forms part of an inter-rowassembly. As discussed previously, such an inter-row assembly mayinclude an opening coulter 126, a double disc opener 128, a seed tube130, and a packing wheel 132. It may have additional apparatus forapplying herbicide or fertilizer, as discussed previously. The auxiliaryseeding unit 108 may also include an opening coulter 134, a double discopener 136, a seed tube 137, and a seed packing wheel 138. It mayinclude fertilizing or herbiciding apparatus in some versions.

As will be clear to those of skill in the art, the auxiliary seedingunit 108 may be moved to its illustrated raised position in a widevariety of ways. It is preferred that this operation is performed with apowered actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively, it may bemanually moved. A variety of linkages may be used to assist in themovement of the auxiliary seeding unit.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the apparatus 100 is schematically shown withthe auxiliary seeding units in a lowered position so as to fill theareas between the inter-row assemblies. This provides a generallycontinuous series of seeding apparatus for use as a grain drill. FIG. 12shows a side view of the auxiliary seeding unit 108 in the loweredposition.

In some embodiments, the inter-row assemblies consist of threeside-by-side seeding units, spaced apart by approximately 7.5 inches.The gap between two inter-row assemblies is approximately 15 inches toallow for the inter-row area. By positioning the auxiliary seeding unitsin the middle of this area, a uniform spacing of seeding units isprovided. Other spacings and arrangements may be used in alternativeversions.

In a further embodiment, more of the seeding units may be moveable. Forexample, all of the seeding units in the entire device may beindividually moveable into a raised position so as to allow additionalflexibility and use of the apparatus.

As will be clear to those of skill in the art, the herein describedembodiments of the present invention may be altered in various wayswithout departing from the scope or teaching of the present invention.For example, an opening coulter may be omitted in some versions of anyembodiment discussed herein. As another example, a drag chain may beused in place of or in addition to a closing wheel in some versions ofany embodiment discussed herein. Further alternatives are possible. Itis the following claims, including all equivalents, which define thescope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for simultaneous application of herbicide orfertilizer, soil preparation, and seeding of a cover crop in a standingcrop in a no-till field, the plants of the standing crop defining aplurality of generally parallel row lines, a standing crop row areabeing defined around each row line so as to contain the row line ofplants and extending between generally parallel edges to each side ofthe row line, an inter-row area being defined between each pair ofadjacent standing crop row areas and extending between the closest edgesof the adjacent standing crop row areas, the apparatus comprising: atleast one inter-row assembly configured to pass along one of theinter-row areas between adjacent row lines of standing crop plants, theat least one assembly including: a no-till soil preparation elementoperable to prepare soil in the inter-row area for cover crop seedingwithout forming a furrow, the soil having an upper surface with no-tillcrop residue disposed thereon, the no-till soil preparation elementbeing operable to generally cut through the crop residue so as to atleast break up an upper surface of soil under the residue for cover cropseeding; a cover crop seed applicator operable to apply cover crop seedin the inter-row area after the soil preparation element; a post-seedingelement operable to at least partially firm the soil and provide seed tosoil contact in the inter-row area after the seed applicator appliesseed; and at least one of a fertilizer applicator or an herbicideapplicator, the fertilizer applicator operable to apply fertilizer toone of the standing crop row areas adjacent the inter-row area, theherbicide applicator operable to apply herbicide to the inter-row area.2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein: the at least oneinter-row assembly comprising a plurality of spaced apart inter-rowassemblies each configured to pass along one of the inter-row areas; theapparatus further comprising a support frame for supporting theplurality of inter-row assemblies.
 3. An apparatus in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the at least one of a fertilizer applicator or anherbicide applicator comprises a sprayer operable to apply a liquidfertilizer to one of the row areas without substantial application tothe inter-row area or to the standing crop plants.
 4. An apparatus inaccordance with claim 3, wherein the fertilizer sprayer applies a narrowspray centered approximately four inches from the row line.
 5. Anapparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the no-till soilpreparation element comprises a plurality of coulters.
 6. An apparatusin accordance with claim 5, wherein the plurality of coulters comprises3 coulters, including a leading, a mid, and a trailing coulter, eachcoulter being approximately 2 inches wide, the coulters being spacedapart side to side by approximately 4 inches.
 7. An apparatus inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the apparatus does not include anypower driven soil preparation elements.
 8. An apparatus in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the seed applicator comprises a plurality of seedtubes positioned side by side.
 9. An apparatus in accordance with claim1, wherein the post-seeding element comprises a packing wheel.
 10. Anapparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the post-seeding elementfurther comprises a spring loading mechanism operable to urge thepacking wheel toward the soil.
 11. An apparatus in accordance with claim1, wherein the at least one of a fertilizer applicator or an herbicideapplicator comprises an herbicide applicator having a sprayer operableto spray herbicide in a wide pattern.
 12. An apparatus in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the at least one of a fertilizer applicator or anherbicide applicator comprises a fertilizer applicator and an herbicideapplicator.